9 Summer Science Programs for Middle School Students
For middle school students passionate about STEM, attending a summer science program can be an early and engaging introduction to the world of science. These programs can offer immersive, hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the typical classroom setting, making scientific concepts more tangible and exciting. Often, school schedules can limit in-depth exploration of scientific subjects, but summer programs provide the perfect chance to dive deep into your interests, building a solid foundation for future academic success.
Networking opportunities with peers, mentors, and professionals within these programs can also provide valuable support and inspiration, creating a supportive community that inspires and nurtures your passions. Engaging early in these enriching experiences can prepare you to excel in high school and set the stage for a lifelong love of science.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 9 great summer science programs for middle school students below!
The Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week virtual program for middle school students looking to explore their academic interests. Many available tracks relate to STEM fields, including mathematics, AI and data science, physics and astrophysics, computer science, biology, medicine, public health, and more. Throughout this program, students will focus on building a project they are passionate about with the help of a dedicated mentor.
From Weeks 1-4, students will explore four topics within their selected track. From Weeks 5-6, students will deep dive into one topic area and define their project. From Weeks 7-8, students will build their own project with support from various mentors. This is a great way to develop one’s skill set and interests and participate in an intensive, hands-on experience outside of the typical school format!
Cost: $1990 for the 8-week program.
Location: Virtual
Application deadline:
Spring cohort: February 18, 2024.
Summer cohort: March 17, 2024 (Priority Admission), April 14, 2024 (First Regular Admission), and May 12, 2024 (Second Regular Admission).
Program dates:
Spring cohort starts March 11, 2024.
Summer cohort starts June 3, 2024.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8.
The Veritas AI Trailblazers program introduces middle schoolers to the fundamentals of Python, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Every day, students will attend lectures for 1.5 hours before participating in hands-on group activities with other students and a mentor, applying what they’ve learned to real-world problems.
From weeks 1-2, students will build a foundation in AI and machine learning and the basics of data analysis. From weeks 3-5, students will receive an introduction to key topics in AI, including exploratory data analysis, regression, and classification problems. From weeks 6-10, students will deep dive into more complex topics, such as image classification, neural networks, why AI ethics matter, and more.
Cost: $1990
Location: Virtual
Application deadline:
Fall cohort: September 8, 2024.
Winter cohort: December 1, 2025.
Program dates:
Fall cohort: September 29 - December 1, 2024.
Winter 2024 cohort: December 15, 2024 - February 16, 2025.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8.
iD Tech offers summer programs across the U.S., providing courses in coding, game design, robotics, and engineering. Middle school students will be encouraged to develop their skills and interests alongside their friends in a collaborative and interactive setting. iD summer programs are held at 65 prestigious universities across the country, such as MIT or Stanford University.
Depending on the location, different courses may be offered. For example, MIT offers a “Roblox Developer: Imaginative Game Design” course for those aged 10-12, “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning,” for those aged 13-17, “BattleBots Camp,” and more. The iD Tech camps combine skill development with fun and a taste of collegiate life.
Cost: Starts at $1,399; varies by course and location
Location: Various prestigious universities across the U.S.
Application deadline: Varies by course
Program dates: June 17 to August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Students aged 7-17
The Science Camps of America offers a special program called EARTH Camp that provides a hands-on and engaging introduction to earth sciences. Students explore geology, marine biology, oceanography, volcanology, botany, and more through practical activities.
Taking place on the O’ahu island of Hawaii, students will immerse themselves in nature, engaging in fun, hands-on learning experiences, field trips, and scientific experiments in Hawaii’s diverse environments. The camp is split into two sessions focusing on different scientific themes, such as designing Mars landers and building model rockets in the Air & Space session, and studying volcanoes and marine life in the Land & Sea session.
Cost: $245 per session; $215 for students who qualify for the National School Lunch Program or are from active military duty families; financial aid is available.
Location: Kailua Intermediate School, Kailua, O’ahu
Application deadline: Various
Program dates:
Session 1: June 10-14, 2024 (Land & Sea)
Session 2: June 17-21, 2024 (Air & Space)
Eligibility: Open to public, private, charter, and homeschool students entering grades 6-8.
CTY offers rigorous courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and other subjects for academically advanced middle school students. Programs include residential and day options, providing a mix of academic and recreational activities. Students engage in discussions, projects, and social events each day, working with leaders and experts in their field.
CTY offers programs at various college campuses across the country and provides students with a taste of collegiate life. Because CTY is specifically for academically advanced youth, students need to submit their test scores to qualify for the application. Thus, CTY is considered a prestigious opportunity for students of all ages. This could be a great mark on one’s resume as they enter high school!
Cost: The tuition and fee range for courses in the academic year 2024-5 is $3,099-$6,819
Location: Various college campuses across the U.S.
Application deadline: November 24, 2024.
Program dates:
Session 1: June 23 - July 12, 2024
Session 2: July 14 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility: To qualify, students need test scores in the top 2% of their grade. CTY accepts scores such as the SCAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, and more. CTY is open to advanced learners in grades 2-12.
For middle schoolers with a love for animals, this Tufts program offers middle school students an immersive week-long experience in veterinary medicine. Students engage in hands-on activities, such as animal handling, physical examinations, bandaging, suturing, and reading X-rays.
The curriculum includes lectures from Tufts faculty, interactive lab sessions, and opportunities to practice clinical skills. lectures, and interactions with animals and professionals. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to veterinary careers and medical practice — blending classroom learning with practical experience. Here is what a typical week in this program might look like:
Cost: $850
Location: Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA
Application deadline: Rolling applications; evaluated and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Program dates: Specific dates vary, with sessions typically held in April and June.
Eligibility: Students who have entered 7th or 8th grade as of the previous September.
Michigan Technological University’s SYP hosts nearly 1,000 students from around the world every summer to provide a week-long exploration of STEM fields. Students live on campus at Michigan Tech, engage with faculty and students alike, and participate in various recreational activities. Courses offered for middle schoolers include “Building a Better World: Civil Engineering,” “Introduction to Mini Video Games: Getting Started,” “Junior Women in Engineering,” “Wild World of Chemistry,” and more.
Cost: Starting at $1,095 for live-in students; $665 for commuter students.
Location: Michigan Technological University campus, Houghton, MI
Application deadline: Rolling admissions.
Program dates: Programs run every week from June 16 - July 26, 2024.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-11.
EXPLO Junior offers a wide range of courses in science, engineering, technology and more. Students can choose from over 80 options for classes and activities, including workshops and electives like hovercraft physics and treehouse architecture. Designed to inspire curiosity and innovation amongst middle school students, the program allows students to focus on fields of their choice such as engineering, technology, and design, or science, psychology, and medicine — taking workshops and seminars to develop their knowledge as future doctors and researchers.
In addition to these engaging courses, students are encouraged to participate in fun activities such as Carnival Night, trips to the Museum of Science, Canobie Lake Park, and more. EXPLO emphasizes a supportive and engaging environment for students to explore their interests and develop new skills.
Cost: $7,350 for the residential program; $3,570 for the day program.
Location: Regis College, Weston, MA.
Application deadline: Rolling admissions.
Program dates:
Session 1: June 30 - July 19, 2024.
Session 2: July 21 - August 9, 2024.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-7
The Boston Leadership Institute offers a variety of one-week specialized courses for middle school students. These courses cover a range of topics such as “The Chemistry of Cooking,” “Crime Lab,” “Science of Illusion,” “Mini-Med School,” “Junior Shark Tank,” and more. Programs include experiments, lectures, and research projects. Each session offers different subjects and activities designed to ignite interests and develop practical skills. Outside of class, students will be encouraged to explore the city of Boston and make connections with their peers and mentors.
Cost: $599 for one week; $699 for the residential option.
Location: Various locations in Boston, including Gann Academy, Bentley University, and Wellesley College.
Application deadline: Rolling admissions.
Program dates: Varies depending on course.
Eligibility: Students who have not yet entered high school.
Amelia is a current senior at Harvard College studying art history with a minor in economics. She’s enthusiastic about music, movies, and writing, and is excited to help Veritas AIs students as much as she can!